Right upper lobe atelectasis after upper urinary surgery in the lateral decubitus position--case report.

Pulmonary atelectasis is a known complication of urinary tract surgery performed in the lateral decubitus position. In 1946 Faulconer reported 8 cases of atelectasis associated with the use of the lateral decubitus position and elevated kidney rest. Several papers have indicated an influence of anesthesia and muscle relaxation as well as position in the development of atelectasis. We present a case of right upper lobe (RUL) atelectasis following left radical nephrectomy under general anesthesia in the right lateral decubitus position, successfully treated with saline lavage and bronchoscopic suction.